SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 128
In Memory
of
Don Edward Baylor
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and
commemorates the life of Don Edward Baylor, who died August 7,
2017, at the age of 68; and
WHEREAS, Don Baylor was born June 28, 1949, in Austin, in
the Clarksville neighborhood, an African American community
surrounded by wealthy neighborhoods; despite originally being
turned away from football tryouts at Stephen F. Austin High
School, he persisted and made the team, and he was named
honorable mention all-state his senior year; he was the first
African American to play on the school's baseball team and became
its captain his senior year; and
WHEREAS, He was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the
1967 amateur draft and was an immediate success, winning
Appalachian League player-of-the-year honors; he was later named
to the Texas League all-star team, and in 1970, he was named the
Minor League Player of the Year by the Sporting News; and
WHEREAS, He began his distinguished 19-year major league
career in 1972 with the Baltimore Orioles, and he earned Topps
Rookie Major League All-Star honors, he went on to play for the
Oakland Athletics, the California Angels, the New York Yankees,
the Boston Red Sox, and the Minnesota Twins; and
WHEREAS, A member of baseball's first class of free agents,
Mr. Baylor was widely respected and admired as an exceptional
clubhouse leader; he earned numerous honors and accolades over
the course of his career, including the 1979 American League Most
Valuable Player award and the 1985 Roberto Clemente Award,
presented annually to a player of exceptional character who
contributes greatly to his community; and
WHEREAS, After his playing career was over, Mr. Baylor
coached and managed a number of teams; he was the first manager of
the expansion Colorado Rockies, and in 1995, he was named
National League Manager of the Year when the Rockies became the
fastest expansion team to make the playoffs; and
WHEREAS, He and his beloved wife, Rebecca Baylor, were
blessed with a son, Don Baylor Jr., who was a source of much pride
and joy for him; and
WHEREAS, A man of courage, strength, and compassion, he
gave generously to others as a role model and mentor, and his
leadership skills, his impressive work ethic, and his enthusiasm
for living each day to the fullest will not be forgotten; and
WHEREAS, He was a devoted husband and father, and he leaves
behind memories that will be treasured forever by his family and
countless friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th
Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby extend sincere
condolences to the bereaved family of Don Edward Baylor; and, be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas
Senate and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in
memory of Don Edward Baylor.
Watson
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on August 11, 2017, by
a rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate